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Large-scale protests have erupted across Indonesia in the past week in response to amendments to the National Armed Forces Law (TNI Law), which permits active duty military officers to assume civilian government positions. Critics argue that this move could revive military involvement in politics and weaken democratic safeguards.
Several cities have witnessed violent clashes between protesters and law enforcement, with authorities deploying tear gas, water cannons, and carrying out mass arrests. The Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS) reported that demonstrators have suffered beatings and serious injuries, while medical personnel and logistics groups have also faced intimidation.
In Malang, a portion of the legislative council building was set on fire. Meanwhile, in Yogyakarta, student leader Tiyo Ardianto has received threats. In Jakarta, a widely shared video showed police officers attacking a motorbike driver after mistaking him for a protester, illustrating the excessive use of force, according to Tempo.
Here is an overview of the protests in Indonesia against the TNI Law, according to detik.com.
Jakarta: protest at parliament
On March 20, demonstrators gathered outside the Indonesian Parliament (DPR) to denounce the opaque legislative process.
"We were never provided with an official draft. I hold a master's degree in law and understand legislative procedures," one speaker remarked.
Clashes ensued, resulting in injuries severe enough to require hospitalisation. Protesters accused the government of pushing the law through without adequate public consultation. Tensions escalated, leading to violent confrontations between protesters and security personnel. Several demonstrators sustained injuries, with some requiring immediate hospitalisation.
East Java: unrest across key cities
Malang
On March 23, a peaceful demonstration escalated into violence as police forcibly dispersed protesters by 6:20 PM. The Indonesian Student Press Association (PPMI) Malang reported that student journalists were subjected to rough treatment. Delta Nishfu, the Secretary-General of PPMI Malang, recalled being dragged away while documenting the event.
Surabaya
The civil group Warga Sipil demonstrated outside Grahadi State Building, warning that the legal changes would grant the military excessive power.
"These amendments could create an unaccountable military entity," spokesperson Jaya stated.
The group issued eight demands, including limiting military involvement in civilian affairs and withdrawing troops from Papua. Concerns were also raised over increased surveillance of activists by military forces.
Blitar
On March 24, student groups protested outside the Blitar DPRD office under heavy police supervision, demanding the law’s repeal and advocating for press freedom. Activists pointed to past instances of media suppression and warned about potential threats to journalistic independence.
Lumajang
Members of the student coalition Aliansi Mahasiswa Lumajang Bergerak gathered at the DPRD office, attempting to enter the premises before encountering resistance from security forces. Order was restored after DPRD Chairman Oktafiani committed to forwarding their concerns to national legislators.
West Java: student-led resistance
Majalengka
Students dressed in black set fire to tyres outside the DPRD office, arguing that the amendments could reinstate military control over civilian governance. "The revised law risks bringing back the military’s dual-function role," protester Anwar Yusuf commented. Activists likened the law to policies from the Suharto era, warning of a possible return to authoritarianism.
Bandung
Students from Muhammadiyah University of Bandung and Islamic Nusantara University demonstrated outside the West Java DPRD, criticising the rapid approval of the law. "Allowing military personnel to take civilian roles is a significant threat," student representative John stated.
Protesters also opposed Article 7, Clause 2, which expands military responsibilities to non-combat operations, fearing it could justify increased military presence in governance and policymaking.
Central Java: intimidation and resistance
Semarang
On March 20, the Student Executive Board Alliance (BEM SI) gathered outside the Central Java DPRD, calling for the law’s repeal. Protesters carried banners with messages such as "Soldiers, return to the barracks" and "Reject the Military Law." Activists expressed concerns about potential military interference in civil institutions, referencing Indonesia’s history of military rule.
Yogyakarta
Protests also unfolded in Yogyakarta, where students faced both physical and digital intimidation. Tiyo Ardianto, Chairperson of Gadjah Mada University’s Student Executive Board, revealed he was personally targeted after participating in a demonstration in front of the Yogyakarta Regional Council on March 20 2025.
A banner, designed to resemble dripping blood, accused student leaders of being influenced by foreign interests. Protesters condemned such intimidation tactics and called for an end to smear campaigns targeting activists.
Protests beyond Java: widespread discontent
Makassar (South Sulawesi)
Civil society groups assembled under a flyover, distributing flyers that outlined concerns about the military’s deepening role in politics. Protesters also criticised the military’s growing involvement in regional development projects, warning of potential conflicts of interest.
Kupang (East Nusa Tenggara)
The Aliansi Cipayung Plus coalition staged a demonstration outside the DPRD office, arguing that the law bore similarities to the authoritarian policies of the New Order era. "This legislation threatens to bring back the oppressive military rule that we fought to dismantle," protest leader Putra Umbu Toku Ngudang stated.
Activists pointed to historical human rights violations and urged the government to prioritise strengthening civilian institutions over expanding military influence.
Palangkaraya (Central Kalimantan)
In Central Kalimantan, student activists scaled the DPRD gates and lowered the national flag to half-mast, symbolising their defiance against the amendments. The protests show no sign of abating, as students and activists continue to mobilise nationwide in opposition to the controversial military law revisions.
Mataram (West Nusa Tenggara)
On March 20, members of the National Student Front (FMN) gathered outside the West Nusa Tenggara DPRD, calling for the law’s repeal. FMN General Coordinator Ahmad Badawi cautioned: "Enacting this law could signal a return to authoritarian rule."
As of March 27, mass demonstrations have taken place in around 21 cities across Indonesia, from west to east. Protesters are not only rejecting the proposed Military Law (UU TNI) but also opposing the Draft Police Law (Rancangan Undang-Undang POLRI), arguing that its provisions could reinstate authoritarian rule reminiscent of the New Order era (1966–1998) and threaten free speech by granting the police and military greater control over civilians and online spaces.
As protests continue to spread, activists remain steadfast in resisting the amendments, calling for sustained public pressure to safeguard democracy. It is a justified fear—considering it took Indonesians 33 years to break free from the grip of the oppressive New Order, only for those same fears to resurface in less than six months under the newly elected government.
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